Rebbetzin Rochele (Magnes) Fogelman

WORCESTER - Rebbetzin Rochele Fogelman, a pioneering Shlucha and master educator in Worcester, Massachusetts, passed away on Tuesday, 7 Cheshvan, 5786.

She was 98.

Rebbetzin Fogelman, together with her late husband, Rabbi Hershel Fogelman obm, were sent in 1947 by the Frierdiker Rebbe to serve as the pioneering shluchim in Worcester, Massachusetts, where they led the community for an extraordinary 78 years.

The Fogelmans founded a Jewish day school and Rebbetzin Fogelman organized and taught classes to the women in Worcester.

In 1953, Rebbetzin Fogelman requested from the Rebbe to grant a private audience with a group of women who attended her classes. The Rebbe spoke to them in Yiddish, as most of the women were raised by immigrant parents and understood the language. However, the Rebbe requested that Rebbetzin Fogelman translate his words into English and transcribe them and send him the transcript.

The transcript prepared by Rebbetzin Fogelman remained in the Rebbe’s room until some years later when it was sent by the Rebbe – together with many other talks – to the archives of the central Agudas Chassidei Chabad Library, at Lubavitch World Headquarters.

A true Aishes Chayil and master educator, Rebbetzin Fogelman was world-renowned for her captivating lectures and insightful teachings on Jewish life and values. With wisdom, humor, and clarity, she inspired audiences around the globe, touching thousands of hearts and minds. Her ability to communicate deep Torah truths with warmth and accessibility made her a beloved mentor and role model to generations.

Her home in Worcester was a beacon of Torah, kindness, and hospitality, welcoming students, families, and community members for nearly eight decades.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Rabbi Hershel Fogelman, and her dear son, Rabbi Chaim Yosef Fogelman.

She is survived by her children: Mrs. Bassie Levin – Worcester, MA, Rabbi Mendel Fogelman – Worcester, MA, Rabbi Levi Fogelman – Natick, MA, Rabbi Shmuel (“Mushi”) Fogelman – Los Angeles, CA, Mrs. Sheva Liberow – Worcester, MA, and Rabbi Mutty Fogelman – Crown Heights.

She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless individuals whose lives she so profoundly influenced.

The levaya will take place on Wednesday, passing by 770 at 1:30 pm, burial at Old Montefiore Cemetery at 2:30 pm.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.